Quote#Books & Reading
It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in…
Quote byMargaret Fuller · 1810–1850
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: "American Literature" in Papers on Literature and Art (1846), p. 122.
English (original)
It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent the thoughts and life of Europe do not constitute an American literature. Before such can exist, an original idea must animate this nation and fresh currents of life must call into life fresh thoughts along its shores.
— Margaret Fuller
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